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TimesLIVE reports that a third of doctors in SA have suffered verbal or physical abuse from patients, their relatives or members of the public during the Covid-19 pandemic.
This was indicated by a survey conducted by medical defence body the Medical Protection Society (MPS), which represents 32,000 health-care professionals in SA. More than 500 medical professionals took part in the survey conducted between 22 October and 11 November. Dr Volker Hitzeroth, a medico-legal consultant at MPS, said: “These survey results make for somber reading and demonstrate that many doctors feel under attack.” He went on to comment: “Many doctors told MPS they have been abused by patients and families when trying to enforce social distancing and mask wearing. Doctors and staff have also been abused by patients being triaged and waiting for treatment. Health-care professionals in SA already faced myriad daily challenges before Covid-19. The pandemic has worsened these challenges. Already burdened health resources are being stretched further, doctors are worried for the safety of their patients and their own families, and are now facing compounding threats of abuse from the very people they care for.”
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Suthentira Govender at TimesLIVE
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page